Perfect Imperfections

In modern life we are surrounded by perfectly choreographed social media feeds and advertisements for an ever-growing market of new products, a seemingly unquenchable obsession with perfection and an aesthetic that conforms to a preconceived idea of beauty.

How do we escape or unlearn these notions and ideals?  There is an ancient Japanese philosophy called ‘Wabi-Sabi’ that celebrates the beauty of imperfections in all areas of life, rooted in Taoism and Zen Buddhism.

The philosophy itself can be difficult to define – not only because the term remains difficult to translate, but because the concept itself is so intricately layered and complex. Whilst author Leonard Koren was developing his book, “Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers”, he was unable to give a precise definition for the phrase. He himself defines the concept as: “a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is a beauty of things modest and humble. It is a beauty of things unconventional.”

Very loosely translated, “Wabi” can refer to simplicity, the imperfections of objects and function over form. “Sabi” focuses on wear and tear, reminding us of the beauty of age.

We can see examples of Wabi-Sabi in many different areas. Aged or faded wood, with an authentic patina that adds to its beauty. A rustic, uneven baguette, rather than a perfectly uniformed sliced loaf. The natural process of growth and decay – rust, moss, frayed edges, dried flowers. Exposed brickwork and chipped paint. A chip, crack or uneven glaze on a teacup – an example which can be linked to the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’, whereby broken pottery is repaired by mending the cracks with gold, silver or platinum lacquer. Reinforcing the notion that imperfections should be celebrated because they tell a story, giving an object a history, more character.

At Lam Lighting, everything we make is hand crafted, meaning that no two pieces are exactly the same. We are firm believers in the beauty of things imperfect and that the small quirks of handmade objects should be embraced in their uniqueness, as evidence of a hand at work and not a machine.

There is wonder and beauty in the artistry and skill of a maker. The thing that we are affected by, that we search for, comes from the heart of the artist in the marks of their hand that can capture that one unique and fleeting expression..